Building on 2015’s DragonQuest and last year’s Dragon Matrix, the innovative Vision Mechanics are back with a new augmented reality theatre adventure in the grand surroundings of Drummohr House – Dragons of Drummohr.

Running from 10-29 October, in the Drummohr House and Grounds near Musselburgh, this new adventure combines the worlds of gaming and storytelling to create something totally immersive. Rare and protected dragons have descended on the grounds of Drummohr House, and the Dragon Protection League need help in catching them.

The Dragon Bus will take audiences from the Prestongrange Museum Visitors Centre to the site – any more vehicles would disturb the dragons, making them harder to catch. Using the Dragon Matrix augmented reality app, audiences will be tasked with assisting the Dragon Protection League in finding all of the lurking mythical beasts inside the house and around the grounds – aided and abetted by trolls, fairies and red herrings.

Huge light installations and sculptures will transform the forest into another world, with clues to follow and puzzles to solve in the elusive structures hidden between the trees. Giant dragons, both real and augmented, loom out of the shadows. There are fairy settlements to stumble across, and goblins hiding in the cobwebbed corners of the old Drummohr mansion.

Dragon Matrix is sponsored by East Lothian Council. Last year’s event was attended by over 5,000 people and was a finalist in the Scottish Thistle Awards, Best Cultural Event or Festival.

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism, said: “I think it’s safe to say that this is a unique event! And what an innovative way to tap into the imagination of people of all ages. There’s a huge interest in fantasy, adventure and dragons through a huge variety of media including novels, TV series, movies and gaming so I expect this event, which promises to turn this fantastic world of dragons and adventure into reality, will be hugely well attended. I’m particularly pleased that East Lothian’s primary pupils will be getting involved in such a creative way.”

Partnering Dragons of Drummohr, Vision Mechanics are connecting with local schools in East Lothian, using the Dragon Matrix universe to engage children aged 9-11 with art, design, and issues surrounding conservation and the environment.

Free art workshops will be available to Primary 6 and 7 aged children for three weeks, starting on 11th September, where they will learn to make a huge, glittering Dragon Scarer. As dragons are a protected species, they need to be encouraged not to land in areas where they could be harmed – this is where a Dragon Scarer comes in handy. A Scarer is a large pole covered in flapping flags and banners. The Scarers made in East Lothian’s schools will then become part of the Dragons of Drummohr event series in October.

The Dragon Scarer workshop programme has been made possible through the generous support of CashBack for Creativity and Awards for All.

Listings

10th – 29th October 2017 (not Mondays)

Showings: 18.00, 18.30, 19.00, 19.30, 20.00, 20.30

Preview/ Full price (incl. Dragon Bus return ticket)

Child: £8.00 / £10.00

Family £9.00 / £10.50

Concession £10.00 / £12.00

Adult £12.00 / £14.00

For tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3047697

Drummohr House & Grounds, near Musselburgh

Parking and the start point for The Dragon Bus shuttle:

Prestongrange Museum

Morrisons Haven

Prestonpans

EH32 9RX

The Bus will be back and forth every 5-10 minutes.

You will be dropped at the Dragon Protection League Head Quarters in Drummohr House & Grounds.

A rip-roaring well done to all the children who took part in the Design a Shield workshops across ANGUSalive facilities during the school holidays.

Around 100 primary school-age children from across Angus attended the free Dragon Matrix craft workshops to produce their own special heraldic shields and at the same time join the Dragon Protection League.

Katarzyna took part in the competition at Arbroath Library. Her spellbinding shield design earned her opening night family tickets to the swashbuckling Sinbad pantomime at the Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath, as well as a host of Dragon Matrix goodies and a Dragon Protection League certificate.

Second prize went to Daisy Mackie (4), who created her shield at Montrose Sports Centre and third place to Lily Phoenix May (7) who designed her shield at Montrose Museum. Both will receive Dragon Matrix goodies and a certificate.

Kirsty Hunter, Chief Executive of ANGUSalive said, “The standard of all the children’s artwork was fantastic, leaving our judges with a very difficult task to pick out a winner.

“It has been really impressive to see the imagination shown in the childrens’ work, as they linked their own family backgrounds with the history of Angus.

Symon Macintyre, Artistic Director, Vision Mechanics, said: “We would like to congratulate Katarzyna on her fantastic design and were delighted to see all of the shields which were made throughout the holiday period. It was great to see the children and wider communities embrace the whole concept of creating their own dragon shields, and get truly immersed in the spirit of Dragon Matrix!”

All the winning shields will be on display at the Ranger’s Centre at Monikie Country Park, with the other shields all on display throughout the park until 31 October.

Dragon Matrix, the augmented light reality show featuring dragons and other magical creatures within the theatrically lit woods of Monikie Country Park, runs until 31 October.

Visitors are being urged to download the Dragon Matrix App prior to their visit.

The Box Office is open Tuesday – Friday, 1pm-6pm and on Saturday, between 10am and 3pm. On performance nights, the Box Office hours will be extended, changing to Tuesday – Friday, 1pm-7.30-pm and on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6pm-7.30pm.

The main Woodland area and access to the North Pond at Monikie Country Park will be closed from 3 to 30 October. All other walks and trails, as well as access to all facilities are open as normal.

ANGUSalive is Scotland’s newest culture, sport and leisure trust has been operating since December 2015. The trust offers residents and visitors to Angus a wealth of services which promote healthy, active and creative lifestyle choices using our sports centres, country parks, theatres and venues, museums, galleries, archives and libraries across the county. For more information visit: http://www.angusalive.scot/ or https://www.facebook.com/ANGUSalive.Scot/

EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews. EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.org or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com.

Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design

2016 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design through a wide-ranging, variety of new and existing activity.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design started on 1 January 2016 and will run until 31 December 2016. It will build on the momentum generated by the 2015 Year of Food and Drink as well as previous years including Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.

Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland’s position as an “innovation nation”, its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed fashion, textiles and design sector.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, supported by partners including Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, Architecture + Design Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).a

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate

The Space works with artists and arts organisations to create great art and reach new audiences through digital technologies and platforms. From learning and skills through to funding and commissioning, the organisation supports the best new and original talent. The Space was founded by the BBC and Arts Council, England.

Dragon Matrix, the theatrical, mystery spectacular set within the woods of Monikie Country Park, will tomorrow enjoy an unprecedented TV showcase on the world’s longest established children’s show, Blue Peter.

Presenter Barney Harwood and crew spent a day filming at the event earlier this month, exploring how the Dragon Matrix App works, interviewing those involved and interacting with local children and families. The CBBC programme will be broadcast at 5pm on Thursday 20 October 2016, featuring a special animated, Augmented Reality version of the Blue Peter badge created by Lanarkshire-based Colin Purves of itsalivedesign.co.uk.

Dragon Matrix features a family of virtual creatures, landmarks such as the fairy path and the red witch tree, as well two baby dragons in their newly built dragon nursery. The show, which kicked off on Wednesday 5 October, runs until 31 October 2016 (except 10, 17 and 24 October).

Vision Mechanics, the Edinburgh theatre company behind ‘Big Man Walking’, ‘Giants in the Forest’ and ‘Embrace’, created the event, which sees the woods lit up and inhabited by huge, illuminated installations against a backdrop of music, clever lighting and giant figures.

Symon Macintyre, Artistic Director said, “We have been absolutely delighted by the fantastic press and media interest in our event but Blue Peter really is the icing on the cake. We very much hope that anyone who has either been, or plans to come along to Dragon Matrix, tunes in at 5pm on Thursday to enjoy a slice of the action! Of course, we also want to thank every man, woman and child who has come along to Dragon Matrix so far. Our audience make the event what it is, and we’ve loved seeing their expressions, hearing their “wow’s” as they walk through the woods, and receiving their brilliant feedback.”

With 20 talking Augmented Reality creatures to befriend (or be wary of!) on your journey, Dragon Matrix sees visitors embark on a quest to track six dragon stones, stolen from the Museum of Dragons, and a brand new fantastical installation, The Spirit of the Dragon, located in the woods of ANGUSalive’s Monikie Country Park. Tickets are on sale via tickets.dragonmatrix.org.uk or the Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath. Visitors are being urged to download the Dragon Matrix App prior to their visit.

Kirsty Hunter, Chief Executive ANGUSalive commented, “We are attracting visitors from near and far to the wonderful world of Dragon Matrix at ANGUSalive’s Monikie Country Park as they walk in the footsteps of Blue Peter’s Barney Harwood. The show on CBBC highlights that this unique local event is drawing attention from across the country. It also provides a great opportunity to showcase what’s on offer in our county much further afield, whilst raising the profile of Angus as a fantastic place to live and visit. We look forward to welcoming the Dragon Matrix adventurers back to Monikie in the future for events such as our December Festive Fun Weekends.”

The Box Office is open Tuesday – Friday, 1pm-6pm and on Saturday, between 10am and 3pm. On performance nights, the Box Office hours will be extended, changing to Tuesday – Friday, 1pm-7.30-pm and on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6pm-7.30pm.

The main Woodland area and access to the North Pond at Monikie Country Park will be closed from 3 to 30 October. All other walks and trails, as well as access to all facilities are open as normal.

ANGUSalive is Scotland’s newest culture, sport and leisure trust has been operating since December 2015. The trust offers residents and visitors to Angus a wealth of services which promote healthy, active and creative lifestyle choices using our sports centres, country parks, theatres and venues, museums, galleries, archives and libraries across the county. For more information visit: http://www.angusalive.scot/ or https://www.facebook.com/ANGUSalive.Scot/

EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews. EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.org or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com.

Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design

2016 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design through a wide-ranging, variety of new and existing activity.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design started on 1 January 2016 and will run until 31 December 2016. It will build on the momentum generated by the 2015 Year of Food and Drink as well as previous years including Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.

Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland’s position as an “innovation nation”, its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed fashion, textiles and design sector.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, supported by partners including Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, Architecture + Design Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).a

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate

The Space works with artists and arts organisations to create great art and reach new audiences through digital technologies and platforms. From learning and skills through to funding and commissioning, the organisation supports the best new and original talent. The Space was founded by the BBC and Arts Council, England.

Dragon Matrix, the theatrical, mystery spectacular set within the woods of Monikie Country Park, has attracted attention from CBBC’s Blue Peter.

Presenter Barney Harwood, and the film crew, spent most of yesterday, Sunday 9 October 2016, filming at the event which features a family of virtual creatures, landmarks such as the fairy path and the red witch tree, as well two baby dragons in their newly built dragon nursery, all set to wow audiences throughout the month of October.

The team interacted with some local children and families, explored how the Dragon Matrix App works and interviewed Artistic Director Symon Macintyre.

With 20 talking Augmented Reality creatures to befriend (or be wary of!) on your journey, Dragon Matrix sees visitors embark on a quest to track six dragon stones, stolen from the Museum of Dragons, and a brand new fantastical installation, The Spirit of the Dragon, located in the woods of Monikie until Monday 31 October 2016 (except 10, 17 and 24 October).

Dragon Matrix is set to be part of Blue Peter’s show due to be aired on Thursday 20 October 2016.

Following the success of the inaugural DragonQuest, which attracted over 5,000 visitors last year, tickets for the follow-up family show Dragon Matrix are on sale via tickets.dragonmatrix.org.uk or the Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath. Visitors are being urged to download the ‘Dragon Matrix’ App prior to their visit.

Vision Mechanics, the Edinburgh theatre company behind ‘Big Man Walking’, ‘Giants in the Forest’ and ‘Embrace’, is creating the event, which will once again see the woods lit up and inhabited by huge, illuminated installations against a backdrop of music, clever lighting and giant figures.

Symon Macintyre, Creative Director said, “We are absolutely delighted that our show has attracted the attention of Blue Peter, an institution when it comes to children’s television programmes. We were thrilled to show Barney and the crew around the woods and will all be glued to our screens on the 20th of October when the programme is aired.”

‘Dragon Matrix’ is supported by EventScotland, part of the VisitScotland Events Directorate, and is also part of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016. The event is also supported by ANGUSalive, the culture, sport and leisure trust for the county of Angus and, for the first time, by The Space, which works with artists and arts organisations to support them to create great art and reach new audiences using digital technologies and platforms.

The Box Office is open Tuesday – Friday, 1pm-6pm and on Saturday, between 10am and 3pm. On performance nights, the Box Office hours will be extended, changing to Tuesday – Friday, 1pm-7.30-pm and on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6pm-7.30pm.

The main Woodland area and access to the North Pond at Monikie Country Park will be closed from 3 to 30 October. All other walks and trails, as well as access to all facilities are open as normal.

ANGUSalive is Scotland’s newest culture, sport and leisure trust has been operating since December 2015. The trust offers residents and visitors to Angus a wealth of services which promote healthy, active and creative lifestyle choices using our sports centres, country parks, theatres and venues, museums, galleries, archives and libraries across the county. For more information visit: http://www.angusalive.scot/ or https://www.facebook.com/ANGUSalive.Scot/

EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews. EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.org or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com.

Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design

2016 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design through a wide-ranging, variety of new and existing activity.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design started on 1 January 2016 and will run until 31 December 2016. It will build on the momentum generated by the 2015 Year of Food and Drink as well as previous years including Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.

Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland’s position as an “innovation nation”, its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed fashion, textiles and design sector.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, supported by partners including Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, Architecture + Design Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).a

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate

The Space works with artists and arts organisations to create great art and reach new audiences through digital technologies and platforms. From learning and skills through to funding and commissioning, the organisation supports the best new and original talent. The Space was founded by the BBC and Arts Council, England.

We have just found out that Vision Mechanics has been shortlisted for a Scottish Thistle Award (Scotland’s ‘tourism industry Oscars’) following the success of last year’s DragonQuest, our first Dragon show in Angus.

We are just one of three finalists in the ‘Best Cultural Event or Festival’ category of the Central, Fife and Tayside Regional Finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards 2016/17. The awards are based on five regional programmes, with the winners progressing to the national final next year.

On announcing the awards, Rebecca Brooks, Chair, Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, said “There have been a record number of applications this year, with an exceptionally high quality of entries and we are delighted to recognise you as an outstanding candidate.”

Regional winners will be announced at a dinner in Edinburgh on 10 November 2016. The national winners will be announced on 16 March 2017.

Vision Mechanics is absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this prestigious award, after just one year of running the event.

And, what’s more, this year’s production, Dragon Matrix, opening this week, has even more delights in store for audiences!

NOTE TO EDITORS: You are invited to send a reporter / photographer / film crew to Monikie Country Park at 7pm on Tuesday 4 October 2016 when a preview of this magical show will be given. Please report to Claire Grainger, Grainger Public Relations on arrival.

A theatrical, mystery spectacular within the woods of Monikie Country Park opens to the public tomorrow (Wednesday 5 October 2016), featuring a family of virtual creatures, landmarks such as the fairy path and the red witch tree, as well two baby dragons in their newly built dragon nursery, all set to wow audiences throughout the month of October.

With 20 talking Augmented Reality creatures to befriend (or be wary of!) on your journey, Dragon Matrix will see visitors embark on a quest to track six dragon stones, stolen from the Museum of Dragons, and a brand new fantastical installation, The Spirit of the Dragon, located in the woods of Monikie from Wednesday 5 until Monday 31 October 2016 (except 10, 17 and 24 October).

There will also be a stunning and interactive sculpture sitting above the water of Monikie Loch, which will change colour as visitors sing to it.

On arrival, visitors can explore the Tag Tent where they can play or watch a series of moveable animations projected onto the walls. There will also be the chance to buy some specially commissioned merchandise including brilliant comics, t-shirts and torches, and enjoy food and drink from the on-site Café Byzantium who will be offering a special takeaway and standard menu for Dragon Matrix, as well as their a la carte menu on Fridays and Saturdays.

Following the success of the inaugural DragonQuest, which attracted over 5,000 visitors last year, tickets for the follow-up family show Dragon Matrix are on sale via tickets.dragonmatrix.org.uk or the Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath. Visitors are being urged to download the ‘Dragon Matrix’ App prior to their visit.

Vision Mechanics, the Edinburgh theatre company behind ‘Big Man Walking’, ‘Giants in the Forest’ and ‘Embrace’, is creating the event, which will once again see the woods lit up and inhabited by huge, illuminated installations against a backdrop of music, clever lighting and giant figures.

Symon Macintyre, Creative Director said, “Dragon Matrix promises to be an exciting, beautiful, engaging and entertaining night in the woods – a night like no other. As you meander through the woods, you will discover 20 magical creatures who will talk to you through the Dragon Matrix App. But there are lots of other theatrical treats in store, from a truly stunning fairy glen and spooky path of virtual spiders, to a water-top sculpture which will change colour as you sing to it. Come along and be mesmerised by a magical woodland world, and explore what else lies in wait!”

‘Dragon Matrix’ is supported by EventScotland, part of the VisitScotland Events Directorate, and is also part of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016. The event is also supported by ANGUSalive and, for the first time, by The Space, which works with artists and arts organisations to support them to create great art and reach new audiences using digital technologies and platforms.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said, “We are delighted to be supporting Dragon Matrix again, in what promises to be a spectacular event. It is also fitting that in the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design that Dragon Matrix will utilise the latest virtual technologies and cutting-edge effects to delight audiences. Through the stunning setting of Monikie Park and the creative talents of the organisers, Dragon Matrix shows why Scotland truly is the perfect stage for cultural events.”

Kirsty Hunter, Chief Executive of ANGUSalive said, “Angus is about to come alive for Autumn as the legend of Dragon Matrix unfolds in this fantastical forest experience at Monikie Country Park throughout October. In what is the Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design, we are excited about the opening of the event which showcases the digital and creative elements of this augmented reality theatre adventure. We are looking forward to welcoming those from near and far as they explore the spectacular installations around the woods and bring the talking magical creatures to life – make sure to book in advance for your chosen show as tickets are selling fast!”

The Box Office is open Tuesday – Friday, 1pm-6pm and on Saturday, between 10am and 3pm. On performance nights, the Box Office hours will be extended, changing to Tuesday – Friday, 1pm-7.30-pm and on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6pm-7.30pm.

The main Woodland area and access to the North Pond at Monikie Country Park will be closed from 3 to 30 October. All other walks and trails, as well as access to all facilities are open as normal.

ANGUSalive is Scotland’s newest culture, sport and leisure trust has been operating since December 2015. The trust offers residents and visitors to Angus a wealth of services which promote healthy, active and creative lifestyle choices using our sports centres, country parks, theatres and venues, museums, galleries, archives and libraries across the county. For more information visit: http://www.angusalive.scot/ or https://www.facebook.com/ANGUSalive.Scot/

EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews. EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.org or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com.

Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design

2016 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design through a wide-ranging, variety of new and existing activity.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design started on 1 January 2016 and will run until 31 December 2016. It will build on the momentum generated by the 2015 Year of Food and Drink as well as previous years including Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.

Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland’s position as an “innovation nation”, its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed fashion, textiles and design sector.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, supported by partners including Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, Architecture + Design Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate

The Space works with artists and arts organisations to create great art and reach new audiences through digital technologies and platforms. From learning and skills through to funding and commissioning, the organisation supports the best new and original talent. The Space was founded by the BBC and Arts Council, England.

Angus children will join the Dragon Protection League in preparation for the mystical wonders of Dragon Matrix at ANGUSalive’s Monikie Country Park.

The augmented reality light show will illuminate the park at Monikie from Wednesday 5 to Monday 31 October.

But before the dragons and a host of other magical creatures materialise in the woods, primary school age children will be creating their own shields, bearing bespoke coat of arms, at a series of craft workshops.

Kirsty Hunter, Chief Executive of ANGUSalive said, “We are inviting Angus children to join in a series of free craft workshops and other dragon-themed events that we are holding in our facilities and country parks during the October school holidays.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for children to harness their creativity and explore the outdoors while getting involved in the magical world of Dragon Matrix.”

The craft challenge will encourage children to research heraldic shields and then create their own shield design, incorporating their family name, a personal motto and emblems, as well as shapes and colours that mean something to them. Their workshop creations can also be entered into a competition, which will be judged at Monikie Country Park in late October.

As well as creating their own heraldic shields, children will also be able to make their own Lego dragons at the workshops, which have been made possible by a grant from Angus Council’s Focus Years Fund.

Cllr Jeanette Gaul, Angus Council’s Communities vice-convener, said, “Angus is again delighted to support this event. Our country parks are fantastic all-year-round assets. Making use of their atmospheric splendour for this month-long night-time spectacular is a wonderful addition to the must-do list in Angus this autumn.

“I’m particularly delighted to see a range of activities for our children and families. Monikie and Dragon Matrix will certainly be on my list of places to be in October. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than last year.”

Symon Macintyre, artistic director of Vision Mechanics, who created Dragon Matrix, explained, “By coming along to Dragon Matrix, visitors will become members of the Dragon Protection League.

“Although dragons are not intentionally dangerous, they are huge and can breathe fire. We are therefore encouraging local children to make their own special shield to protect themselves should they encounter a fire-breathing situation!”

Visitors are encouraged to download the ‘Dragon Matrix’ App prior to their visit. By doing so, they will discover 20 amazing virtual creatures within the woods.

Once at Monikie they can embark on a quest to track six dragon stones stolen from the Museum of Dragons, a brand new fantastical installation located in the woods of Monikie for the event (except 10, 17 and 24 October). To download Android and Apple apps, visit: http://dragonmatrix.org.uk.

You can also try the White Dragon and Red Dragon orienteering trails at ANGUSalive’s Crombie Country Park, or get involved in a Geocache treasure hunt at Forfar Loch, Monikie and Crombie during Dragon Matrix to unearth hidden dragon-themed caches as you explore the Country Parks. To download the Geocache app visit: https://www.geocaching.com/play.

NOTE TO EDITORS – You are invited to send a reporter/photographer to any of the workshops throughout Angus detailed below, please confirm in advance by email to communications@angus.gov.uk which event(s) you wish to attend.

We’re really delighted to launch our new Dragon Matrix trailer which shows what to expect when you go to the Dragon Matrix event – a combination of installations in the woods and the chance to use your smart phone or tablet, to glimpse a parallel universe of magical creatures which can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Last year’s show was a first for Vision Mechanics as Augmented Reality (AR) had not been used before as part of a theatre production. Since then Pokemon GO has introduced many more people to the concept of AR. This year’s Dragon Matrix has evolved further with new AR characters who can also talk to you.

In addition to the AR, as you walk through the woods, you will be able to go into the Dragon Museum, wander through the Fairy Glen, make the Spirit of the Dragon change colour and much more.

And most importantly, you will need to keep an eye out for the six missing Dragon Stones as the story of Dan and Petra and their quest to save the Dragons continues…

Virtual creatures, whose natural habitat is usually the dark woods of Angus, will enjoy a day out in the city this weekend (Saturday 17 September 2016), as Dundee shoppers get the chance to meet some of the virtual stars of Dragon Matrix.

In conjunction with ANGUSalive, members of the team behind Dragon Matrix, the Augmented Reality light show heading to Monikie Country Park in October, will be demonstrating the Dragon Matrix App, allowing shoppers to snap photos of themselves with the creatures, their friends and families,

Costumed characters, including a scientist and members of the Dragon Protection League, will give shoppers the chance to capture the magical creatures with an iPad, buy tickets and Dragon Matrix comics, and enter a prize draw to win one of four family passes.

The team will be stationed on the ground floor of Overgate, near Costa, from midday until 4pm on Saturday 17 September 2016.

With trolls, a fairy glen and even a path of spiders set to take up residence in the dark woods of ANGUSalive’s Monikie Country Park, the theatrical, mystical spectacular will see visitors embark on a quest to track six dragon stones, stolen from the Museum of Dragons, a brand new fantastical installation located in the woods of Monikie from Wednesday 5 until Monday 31 October 2016 (except 10, 17 and 24 October).

Malcolm Angus, Centre Manager, Overgate commented, “We are looking forward to welcoming Dragon Matrix to Overgate this Saturday. The virtual creatures should certainly add a unique dimension to our customers’ shopping experience and we are happy to help support a preview of what people can expect at Monikie Country Park in October.”

‘Dragon Matrix’ is supported by EventScotland, part of the VisitScotland Events Directorate, and is also part of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016. The event is also supported by ANGUSalive and, for the first time, by The Space, which works with artists and arts organisations to support them to create great art and reach new audiences using digital technologies and platforms.

The Box Office is open Tuesday – Friday, 1pm-6pm and on Saturday, between 10am and 3pm. On performance nights, the Box Office hours will be extended, changing to Tuesday – Friday, 1pm-7.30-pm and on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6pm-7.30pm.

ANGUSalive is Scotland’s newest culture, sports and leisure trust and was established in 2015. The trust offers residents and visitors to Angus a wealth of services which promote healthy, active and creative lifestyle choices from country parks to theatres and venues. The trust also provides a full complement of modern sports centres, museums, galleries, archives and libraries across the Angus burgh. For more information visit: http://www.angusalive.scot/ or https://www.facebook.com/ANGUSalive.Scot/

EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews. EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.org or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com.

Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design

2016 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design through a wide-ranging, variety of new and existing activity.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design started on 1 January 2016 and will run until 31 December 2016. Itwill build on the momentum generated by the 2015 Year of Food and Drink as well as previous years including Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.

Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland’s position as an “innovation nation”, its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed fashion, textiles and design sector.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, supported by partners including Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, Architecture + Design Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate

The Space works with artists and arts organisations to create great art and reach new audiences through digital technologies and platforms. From learning and skills through to funding and commissioning, the organisation supports the best new and original talent. The Space was founded by the BBC and Arts Council, England.

STAY IN TOUCH

Vision Mechanics
81 Great Junction Street
Edinburgh
EH6 5HZ

+44 (0)131 554 8923

info@visionmechanics.org

PRODUCED BY VISION MECHANICS

Vision Mechanics leads in encouraging communities to cooperate in the creation of original high quality arts projects. Events are staged all over the country in both conventional and site-specific environments with a strong emphasis on cross-artform collaborations.